Monday, April 2, 2018

2018 OHL Priority Selection Primer

The 2018 OHL Priority Selection is set for next Saturday, April 7th. If you recall, the last two years I have hooked up with the guys from TheScout.ca
to help us preview and highlight potential selections in a (now) annual Priority Selection Primer (2017, 2016). Well, I am happy to bring you the 3rd edition this year. Once again, each member of the
scouting team at TheScout has given us their favourites for the draft,
in addition to potential sleepers.

“Way high up on
TheScout.ca’s list of best players available for the OHL Priority
Selection is Antonio Stranges, who tore up the Detroit Little Caesars
independent schedule and completely dominated the T1EHL playing in
some limited showcases. Stranges is a kid who has been on many OHL
and USHL draft radars for over two seasons now, having played up with
the 16U team last season along with this season, all while putting up
big-time numbers both years. Stranges is most well-known for his
unique skating ability and his exceptional puck skills that allow him
to be one of the deadliest offensive players on the ice at any
moment. His footwork, edge control and utilization of his explosive
feet enable him to literally dance around the competition, like a
Jeff Skinner or Jeremy Bracco type skater. The creativity is through
the roof when the puck is on his stick too, as he has the high-end
hockey sense and the crafty offensive talent to shoot, pass and score
in bunches. Stranges is currently committed to the University of
Michigan and will be attending the USA NTDP Evaluation Camp with a
strong chance of making the U17 team. Will he end up in the OHL
someday though? It is definitely a possibility.”

“Another gifted forward who has been
on the radar for a while now is Dylan Peterson with the CIHA Midget
AAA program just outside of Ottawa. Peterson is an American/Canadian
dual-citizen, and was one of the first 2002-born skaters to commit to
a NCAA university when he selected Boston University as a
14-year-old. Peterson has been very well known in scouting circles
due to his NHL ready 6.03” frame paired with his powerful and very
fluid skating stride. Not many large hockey players have the high-end
speed of Peterson, and his strength along with his extremely quick
hands make him a lethal threat every time he’s coming down the ice.
His puck skills can dazzle for sure, and he can take a direct path
right through the opposition or dangle a defenseman with his slick
skills and long reach. Watch out for his high-end and accurate shot
as well, but he does hesitate at times as he needs to work on
becoming the dominant player he can be on every shift. Peterson will
also be attending the USA NTDP Evaluation Camp, and he has a very
good chance to make the U17 team. The sky is the limit for this kid,
he has the physical gifts and smooth skating to make him a top NHL
Draft selection down the line.”

Sleeper #1: Andrei Bakanov, Oakland
Jr. Grizzlies 16U AAA

“Probably not much of a sleeper here,
but Andrei Bakanov will likely be a player discussed a lot as we lead
up to the OHL Priority Selection as his eligibility is currently
up-in-the-air for the draft. Bakanov is a Russian-born player who has
spent this year with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U team after playing
up the season before with the Cleveland Barons 16U team. With
Oakland, the Russian kid displayed his pro-quality talents before all
the HPHL by finishing second in both goals and points in one of the
most competitive leagues in the country. You don’t have to watch
too long before you see his best trait, a deadly accurate, hard shot
that probably gives goalies at this level nightmares. Bakanov has the
Russian patience for sure, taking his time to read plays at times and
then striking exactly when you least expect it, often drawing
peer-to-peer comparisons to famous NHL player Evgeni Malkin. Footwork
is a little heavy for Bakanov, but his smooth puck handing and decent
smarts help mitigate this issue. Should he be declared eligible for
the OHL Draft, look for his name to go very high in the 1st
Round. His goal scoring capabilities, his patience with the puck, and
his NHL sized frame will be highly coveted.”

***Note: Bakanov recently announced his
NCAA commitment to the University of Michigan. His OHL Priority
Selection status is currently still unknown, although seems like a long shot at this point.

Sleeper #2. Avery Winslow, Notre Dame Hounds
Midget AAA

“One big-time sleeper that likely
only got some looks at the very beginning of the scouting season at
the USA Select 15’s and then very recently at the USA NTDP
Evaluation Camp is a smart defensive prospect named Avery Winslow.
Winslow spent the season playing in the Saskatchewan Midget Hockey
League for the very well-known Notre Dame Hounds AAA program. A
native of Clearwater, Florida, Winslow is a very polished two-way
defenseman with great skating ability. His patience with the puck and
his decision making are very good, always surveying the ice and
making a smart move even while being pressured. His game oozes
confidence and poise, and his four-way mobility, speed and
directional agility help him in all areas of the ice. Winslow is also
great in the defensive zone, playing with an active stick and always
having his head on a swivel looking to shut down the opposition. His
potential is decent on the offensive end too, managing his blue-line
very well while also being able to join the rush and jump in plays at
the other end of the ice. He’s not an elite offensive catalyst, but
he does a great job leading by example in just about every aspect of
his game. If OHL scouts paid close attention and got to some of his
games, this kid could be a great value pick.”

Blake Butler has been my top prospect
from start to finish in the Alliance and in my eyes is also the
closest prospect to being OHL ready. He is a big, strong center who
played his Minor Midget season on a weaker Lambton team and showed an
ability to elevate the play of his teammates around him. What’s
attracting is his mix of size, speed and skill that makes him a
threatening player as a playmaker or a shooter. Listed at 6’1”,
he is a strong skater who dictates the speed and tempo of the game
transitioning the puck quickly from defense to offense and attacking
defenders either on the outside or through the center of the ice.
While he has not perfected his defensive responsibilities it is not a
concern at this time because he possesses all the physical tools and
IQ to make these adjustments for the next level. Look for Butler to
be selected as early as the 2nd round but no later than
the 4th round.

#2 – George Diaco, C, London Jr.
Knights

Diaco is a player who quickly catches
your eye because of his energy, puck skill and skating agility and is
easily one of the hardest working players in the league. Playing on
the Jr. Knights, Diaco was the sparkplug winning the scoring title
with 52 points in 33 games and leading his team all the way to the
Alliance finals. Shifting from the wing to center part way through
the season allowed him greater control of the game and he really
excelled as a facilitator in this position. Possesses an average shot
but makes up for it with his high hockey IQ and playmaking ability.
Displayed great competitiveness all season long that rubs off on his
teammates. The biggest knock on him as a prospect will be his size
(5’5” and 140 lbs) but he continually demonstrated all season
long that despite his smaller frame he’s one of the most skilled
players in the Alliance and had a consistent impact on the outcome of
each game.

Sleeper – Ryan Gagnier, C, Sun County
Panthers

After a record 46
players were selected out of the Alliance in the 2017 OHL Priority
Draft, the 2002 birth year will not come close to breaking that mark
and is considered by many scouts as an overall ‘down’ year for
the league. That being said this presents opportunities for teams to
get great value from their picks out of the Alliance.

Gagnier is a sleeper to watch having
played his Minor Midget season in the shadows of Matt Maggio, who won
the Alliance Player of the Year award. Gagnier’s title as a
sleeper, however, may be in jeopardy following his OHL Cup
performance where he scored 7 points in 6 games and led his team to
the quarterfinals. He is a complete 200-foot center who is
defensively aware yet possesses offensive upside. As the season went
on, his confidence with the puck improved displaying an ability to
either stickhandle past defenders or beat them inside for positioning
and better scoring chances. He possesses an element of grit to his
game finishing checks and blocking shots. Playing in all game
situations, he is attentive to the smaller details of the game and
demonstrates attractive leadership and character qualities. As a
potential mid-round pick, he will be a versatile player with an
ability to play anywhere throughout the lineup.

George Diaco is easily one of the best
players in the Alliance with his remarkable offensive production this
year. Smaller players tend to get timid in the physical game, but
despite his smaller frame, Diaco has great skating ability and puck
control allowing him to juke around defenders and create strong
scoring chances with his great vision. He reads the ice like a
running back reads the field, finding the open hole then slicing up
the neutral zone and gain entry into the opposition’s zone, making
him the focal point of London’s power play unit all season long.
There is nothing more dangerous than when Diaco has the puck on his
stick.

#2. C Ryan Gagnier, Sun County Panthers

Ryan Gagnier is a safe pick out of the
Alliance, a two way centre that plays well in all 3 zones away from
the puck or when the puck is on his stick. Some of his aspects that
stand out are his defensive game, which is uber impressive, being
able to mark key players and support his teammates when needed to get
the puck out of his zone. He is also good at keeping his stick in
lanes and is not afraid to throw his body around to separate players.
Offensively, he’s a smart player that can predict his team-mates’
moves and locate them with little effort to create scoring chances.
Probably not one of the flashier players, but definitely an
intelligent one who carries a winning attitude and excellent
leadership qualities.

Sleeper: W Carter Schoonderwoerd, Huron Perth
Lakers

For being a sleeper pick, Carter
Schoonderwoerd is probably the first player you notice on the ice
being 6 foot 4 and over 200 pounds. With his body being ready to step
right into the OHL, he brings a heavy shot that makes him lethal in
the offensive zone. One of his biggest assets is his ability to come
off the rush and charge at the net by muscling off defenders and
protecting the puck. Using his long legs and larger figure to create
space makes it easy for him to rip the puck into the net. Knowing how
to use his body, he can punish opponents with bone crushing hits and
break up plays using his reach. Adjusting to his big frame didn’t
come with ease, but has steadily improved since the beginning of the
season. He could probably use another year to develop, but the talent
is there and can make a big impact for his future club.

Perfetti
was one of the most consistent point producers in the GTHL all season
long. This 5ft8" 155lb pivot is one of the smartest players at the 2002
level. Perfetti possesses a skill that many don't at
his age and experience, maybe having played up with the Whitby Wildcats
minor midget team that played in the 2017 OHL Cup helped him build, a
level of patience and calm that is rarely this mature at 16. Not
an outright speed demon Perfetti is a deceptive skater that can utilize
outstanding edge work coupled with a strong wide stance that makes him
very difficult to knock off the puck. He is at his best when on the
cycle and with the puck on his stick. Because of his great playmaking
skill and capacity to maintain puck possession he backs off defenders
making him dangerous in transition. Using his
elite hockey sense and tremendous hands Perfetti is masterful at the art
of the saucer pass and can slot passes into to space creating plenty of
scoring opportunities for linemates. A stalwart on the PP he draws the
attention of defenders freeing up other players to assert offensively. If
not the smoothest playmaker in the G he is without question a scoring
threat every time he is on the ice. Continually finds a way to sift
through defenceman and ending up in a scoring position or a dish for a
chance. Because he is such a calm player his compete level may go
unnoticed but Perfetti often used in PK and is very skilled in the
neutral zone as a gap closing forward that uses his elite hands to pick
off passes and create turnovers. While not
shoot first center with a powerful shot he is very accurate and scores
most of his goals in the key scoring area within 10 feet of the goal. As
he gains further size and strength he will only develop his scoring at
greater range and variety. Perfetti is
currently committed to the University of Michigan and while there is no
doubt he will be an excellent player at the NCAA level, his game is very
primed for the OHL as well and would no doubt be contributor as a top
line forward in the not so distant future.

#2: Lleyton Moore, Toronto Marlboros

Moore
is a diminutive defender that is listed at 5ft 8" and 155lbs but there
nothing small about his game. He
checks every box when it comes to being an defenceman at the minor
midget level in the GTHL for the #1 ranked Toronto Marlboros. An
elite skater that has spectacular edge control he can keep plays alive
with his open hip style pivoting and powerful stride. Equally as quick
going east west as he is north south his crossover step and deceptive
changes of direction give him plenty of time and space to make plays.
What's
so impressive about this player is he ability to assess the situation
in the game and make plays and/or adjust his style of play accordingly.
He can play the speed and transition game or go physical and puck
possession mode depending on the opponent and the state of the game.
This speaks to his high hockey IQ and competitive level. Moore is an ex
excellent passer with top level vision and playmaking ability. His
poise and patience allow plays to develop. Not prone to the slapshot he
uses a quick release wrister to get pucks through and create tip or
rebound opportunities. If Moore was 6ft and
185lb there is no doubt he would be right in the conversation with
Drysdale and Power as one of the top defenceman in the upcoming draft.
He is one of the most entertaining players of the 2002 group and
undoubtedly has the tools to be a 1/2 defenceman at the next level.

Sleeper: Isaac MacLeod, Toronto Jr. Canadiens

MacLeod
demonstrated (in the OHL Cup Final) what he has done most of the
season. A great
secondary scorer that possesses a good release and penchant for scoring
key goals. The word tenacious comes to mind right away when describing
this player. While not a dynamic skater he has
solid acceleration and once in stride moves with pace. He is a stop and
start forward that rarely gives up on a puck battle. Uses
his physicality well, great body position and wide stance coupled with
good balance allows him to protect pucks and be a positive possession
player. A deceptive release and quick hands in tight spaces especially
around the net allows him to be a quality clean up man. MacLeod
comes with a keen sense for the game which makes him lethal on the PK
as he can pick off.passes and create havoc for defenders with his
capacity to read plays and use pressure to cause turnovers. At
the next level MacLeod will be a serviceable player that can play up
and down your line up and give you quality play in a variety of roles.

The most
dominant overall defenseman in this draft class and arguably the most
gifted one offensively, Drysdale has the type of intangibles and skill
set that very few prospects posses, certainty at this age. With elite
skating and play making abilities, Drysdale is a game breaker on the back
end who very rarely puts in a bad shift, let alone a bad game. He led
the Toronto Marlboros along with fellow captain Lleyton Moore as they
toyed with teams in the GTHL all season long. An all situations type
player who is deadly on the rush and on the power play, where he can
change and create different shooting angles from the blue line with his
lateral movement. With a high IQ, Drysdale is able to effectively shut
down plays and doesn't miss a beat in one on one defensive battles
despite not being the biggest guy on the ice. He is without a doubt a
complete package and the type of player who can change the complete
dynamic of a team almost instantly. He should be the first defenseman
off the board and he can make an impact right away.

#2. Jean-Luc Foudy - F (Toronto Titans)

Argubly
the best skating in this draft class, Jean-Luc Foudy looks certain to
follow his brother Liam's footsteps as a first round draft pick. In
terms of an individual player being essential to a teams success, nobody
was more important this season in the GTHL than Foudy was to the the
Toronto Titans. Playing on a team was limited forward talent, he single
handedly carried the offensive charge on a number of occasions, where he
willed his team to wins. With the speed and puck skills that Foudy has,
we are talking about someone who would have been a top scorer in the
league, if he had a little bit more polish finishing scoring chances and
if he had more talented forwards to work with. Despite teams being
overly physical and had defensive structures in place to defend Foudy on
the rush, his skating ability was simply too good at times where he
became undefendable and he was still one of the best players in terms of
scoring chances created in the GTHL. Foudy will likely find himself
just outside the top 10, but make no mistake this is a top 10 talent.

Sleeper: Nolan Dillingham-Morelli - D (Mississauga Rebels)

Dillingham-Morelli
finds himself behind a number of players in a group of very talented
defensemen, something which has the potential to pay huge dividends for
the team that drafts this kid. The physical two way blue liner may lack
the offensive polish that some of the top end defensemen do, but very
few have the ability to play at the level that he does in their own end.
An impressive skater and puck mover who has shown at times during the
season that he can rush the puck, Dillingham-Morelli is the type of
player who is ready for the OHL now and while the offensive numbers may
not translate straight away, he won't take long to adjust to playing at
the next level. He can play all three situations effectively and has an
OHL level shot right now along with the ability to play a lot of high
quality minutes. When you look at him as a player, it is hard to see how
a player of this talent could fall outside of the first three rounds
which may be the case.

NOHA

Brandon Wright

1.
Pacey Schlueting- North Bay
Trappers (6’1, 175 pounds)

Schlueting, the NOHA Player of the Year, is
the top player available from northern Ontario. He is a big two-way defenceman
who has excellent skating ability. His powerful stride allows him to skate up
and down the ice with ease. Schlueting has a powerful shot, and is a very
effective puck mover. He registered 13 goals and 21 assists in 24 league games.
He was also captain of both his minor midget club and Team NOHA.

2.
David Campbell- North Bay
Trappers (6’1, 165 pounds)

Campbell is coming off a season in which he
averaged a goal per game in league play, having scored 24 goals while adding
another 12 assists in 24 games. He possesses a very good release and soft
hands. Campbell plays strong with the puck and along the boards. He is also very
effective penalty killer. Campbell is a threat to score any time he is on the
ice. He and Schlueting tied for the Team NOHA scoring lead with 4 points in 4
games at the OHL Cup.

Mauro is an undersized, but highly skilled
winger. His lack of stature may hurt his draft stock, but his skill and
offensive instincts suggest he can be an effective player at the next level. He
is a good skater who uses his speed to generate offensive opportunities. Mauro
was the only player from his minor midget team selected to play for Team NOHA.

Peterson is
a highly gifted player who has a special combination of speed,
agility, and skill. He is 6'3" with an enviable frame, but has
the lateral mobility of an undersized forward. It is remarkable to
watch him weave through the neutral zone with power and masterful
control of his edges. His first few strides are explosive and his top
gear is effortless. Defenders instinctively retreat when he’s
skating at them so as to not get burned wide or plowed over. There
are not many forwards in the age group better at creating space for
themselves. To make matters worse for opposing D, he has dazzling
stick handling ability, which only seems to improve the faster he is
moving. Combine that with his natural length, and you have an
attacker who can essentially do what he pleases while in possession
of the puck. Despite having essentially every tool imaginable,
Peterson's stock is not as high as it was at the start of the year.
He started the campaign in a tier with Quinton Byfield, but you would
be hard-pressed to find a scout who still feels that way. Part of
that is Peterson became a victim of the expectations he created. He
was expected to dominate the HEO Midget AAA league, and for the first
half of the season, he didn't. He looked disinterested in some
outings, spending far too much time on the perimeter. He wasn’t
scoring goals from the outside, because his shot is probably the
weakest part of his game. To his credit, Peterson was a different
player in the last half of the season, making better use of his pro
tools to play directly and relentlessly. That should leave scouts
with a good taste in their mouths when discussing Peterson at the
draft table. The complicating factor, however, is that Peterson is a
dual citizen who has received an invite to join the US National Team
Development Program. All indications are that he intends to accept
that invitation and honour his commitment to Boston University.

2. Joshua
Barnes (C/LW - Cornwall Colts U18)

Barnes is an
electric offensive talent who owns one of the best set of hands in
minor midget. He is a wizard with the puck on his stick and attacks
with speed and intention. He has great poise in possession, probing
the defensive alignment for weak spots before darting into scoring
positions. Barnes has quick feet, which helps him accelerate and
helps him push back defenders. He will add more power to his stride
as he strengthens his lower body. Barnes has lethal goal scoring
touch from all distances. His shot is hard and accurate, but his
release is what makes him a special talent. He gets a ton on his
wrist shots without requiring much in the way of a wind-up. When on
the rush, he can shoot off-stride which is highly disruptive to a
goalie's timing and reads. If Barnes gets in alone, he has an array
of breakaway moves that are downright scary. He has the perfect
combination of attributes to work the half-wall on a powerplay, and
that's where he's at his most dangerous. The most exciting part about
Barnes is that he's already shown he can be an impact player with
OHL-aged players. He suited up for the Jr. A Cornwall Colts of the
CCHL for a total of 14 games, including all seven playoff games in
the Colts' first round loss to the Hawkesbury Hawks. Barnes was one
of the most dangerous players in that series, generating a ton of
offence. It was an incredibly impressive feat, especially considering
he won't turn 16 until late September. The only real knock on Barnes
is that his effort on the defensive side of the puck can leave you
wanting from time to time. He has lined up at center the bulk of the
time for the Colts, but my view is he's better suited to play the
wing. That should ease his defensive burden and free him up to make
the most of his offensive gifts.

Other
Favourites

Donovan
Sebrango (LD - Canadian International Hockey Academy)

Sebrango is a
complete player who does everything you want from a defenceman. He
excels at turning defence into offense. He disrupts oncoming
attackers as early as he can, yielding very few controlled zone
entries down his side of the ice. More often than not, attackers will
dump the puck behind him, giving Sebrango a chance to showcase his
smooth pivoting and puck retrieval skills to get to the puck first
and start the breakout. His passes are firm and hit players in
stride, which facilitates clean breakouts. He assesses his options
very well and more often than not picks out the teammate in the best
position to transition the puck up ice. Sebrango is also the league's
top defenceman when it comes to the stretch pass. His puck
distribution prowess is not limited to facilitating breakouts,
though. He also shows great vision in the offensive zone, finding
seams and hitting open teammates in dangerous areas. This skill makes
him an effective powerplay quarterback. He doesn't have a booming
shot from the point, but he gets firm, low shots through with
regularity. It is difficult to find anything Sebrango cannot do
on the ice. He has good puck skill and can evade forecheckers while
carrying the puck through the neutral. He has the speed and offensive
wherewithal to jump up at the proper time to create odd man rushes.
He can play a physical game to eliminate forwards along the wall and
regain possession. All in all, he can make an impact in any zone on
any shift. The only real question with Sebrango is whether or not he
is interested in playing OHL hockey. Like his teammate Dylan
Peterson, he is committed to Boston University. Unlike Peterson,
however, he is not eligible for The Program. That might give OHL
teams more hope that they can persuade him of the benefits the OHL
has to offer. If they are successful in that endeavour, they're going
to get a defenceman who can be a Top 4, all-situations stalwart.

Sean
McGurn (C - Ottawa Jr. Senators U18)

McGurn is a crafty playmaking
center. The foundation of his game is his ability to handle the puck
in traffic. He has an excellent set of hands that allow him to
maintain possession in tight while under duress. He has exceptional
control of his edges, and can quickly change directions to shake
forecheckers and drive into space. McGurn is very comfortable in
possession, and it's hard to overstate just how good he is at
distributing the puck. He regularly makes passes that require a great
deal of skill, intelligence, and vision to execute. He has a knack
for making his passes just as the defence or goaltender has
over-committed to him. It is no surprise that he led all of HEO in
assists this past season. McGurn is very capable defensively as well.
He plays an up-tempo style of hockey away from the puck. He uses his
quickness to aggressively pursue puck carriers all over the ice,
which creates turnovers and more possession time for his team. He
wins more battles than he should for a slight player due to a crafty
stick. Although the stat is not recorded, I would not be surprised if
McGurn led the league in faceoff percentage. In many of my viewings,
he wouldn't lose more than a draw or two. The only concern with
McGurn is whether he will be able to score goals at the next level.
His shot is not strong enough to truly trouble goaltenders, and it
will become more difficult to get into scoring areas in the OHL,
where defenders have more experience containing slick forwards.
Still, McGurn's high-end playmaking abilities give him a good chance
to be a center on a scoring line at the next level.

What I love about Stansel's
game is his poise and intelligence with puck. He knows when he needs
to retrieve the puck quickly and move it with urgency. He has a lot
of success getting the puck to teammates in those high pressure
moments. But he also understands how to manage the puck effectively
when the forecheckers give him time and space. He values possession,
and does not want to throw the puck away. He transports the puck well
and with intention, his head always up and ready to make a positive
play. He is a capable distributor who snaps hard passes on top the
tape of his teammates. Stansel covers a lot of ground quickly by
using his long, efficient skating stride and is surprisingly agile
laterally. On the defensive side of the puck, his main tools are his
crafty stick and his intelligence. He takes excellent angles on
attackers, and is adept at deftly pulling the puck out of scrums with
precise stick work. He has a projectable frame and, once he adds
muscles, he will be a more effective net front presence. The reason
why Stansel is a sleeper despite all these positive tools is that his
offensive game lacks polish. For all his success moving the puck in
the defensive zone and the neutral zone, he hasn't yet figured out
how to make himself a consistent threat in the offensive zone. He can
be a bit stagnant away from the puck, and he needs to work on his
reads in terms of when to pinch down low to keep the play alive and
when to retreat. His shot isn't that hard and he's not going to beat
goalies clean from the point. Still, he moves the puck so well
everywhere else on the ice that I'd bet on him figuring out how to
become a more impactful player offensively. It is also important to
recall that Stansel is one of the youngest players in the draft (DOB:
December 12, 2002), so you can expect more growth in his game when
compared to older 2002s. He will likely need a year of development in
local junior leagues, but I think Stansel would provide long-term
value as a mid-round selection.

James
Mayotte (LD - Shattuck-St. Mary's U16)

Mayotte is a sleeper more
because of where he plays than anything else. The native of
Mallorytown, Ontario was accepted to Shattuck St. Mary's in Minnesota
for his draft year, which will somewhat limit the ability for
Ontario-based scouts to get a look at him. But Mayotte is a
promising, highly-mobile defender. He defends high in the neutral
zone, pressuring the puck carrier whenever that is an option. He's
not overly physical and will need to work on maintaining position on
his man down low, but that will become easier as he fills out. He is
listed at a wiry 6'1', 165, but certainly has room to add muscle. He
gets his team out of the defensive zone efficiently, either skating
the puck through traffic or executing well-timed passes to beat the
forecheck. Where Mayotte has most improved over the course of the
season is in the offensive zone. He has become far more active, and
is constantly moving in reaction to the position of the puck and the
defenders. Mayotte jumps into holes well to make himself a dangerous
passing target, which stress defences and makes him a very tough
cover for wingers. He doesn't have a cannon from the point, but he
isn't one to try to force shots. If he gets the puck in space, he is
more likely to try to freeze the goalie and throw the puck into
traffic with the hopes of getting a deflection. Teams who got a good
read on Mayotte last year when he played for the Upper Canada
Cyclones, or those who made the trip down to Minnesota, might be able
to find a bit of a hidden gem at Shattuck-St. Mary’s.

Overall
the 2002 age group from the Ottawa area is the strongest from top to
bottom than it has been in years past. There isn't any doubt that
C Dylan Peterson of CIHA is among the top prospects available for this
years OHL draft, but one could easily argue that C/LW Joshua Barnes
should also be among the top prospects available. He's the most
electric, dynamic and opportunistic '02 prospect from
the Ottawa region. He's a threat every time he's on the ice. He's a
special talent and has a skill set that you can't teach. Left with
carrying much of the load on a weak Cornwall Colts U18 team, he still
finished 2nd in league scoring. Only helping his draft
stock more was his ability to be an impact player for the CCHL Cornwall
Colts down the stretch of the regular season and in the playoffs. In 7
regular season games - 3 G 2 A 5 PTS & in 7 playoff games - 2 G 4 A
6 PTS, which included a double overtime break
away goal. He has all three elements of Speed that I look for in a top
prospect - Mind, Feet and Hands. CCHL teams won't have to worry about
how to defend against Barnes next year because he won't be playing in
the league.

#2 - Sean McGurn C , July 30, 2002 - Ottawa Jr Senators U18

Sean is the most
complete HEO U18 prospect available. High IQ and drive train on both
sides of the puck, with leadership and quality character traits. May not
be as explosive or dynamic as other HEO '02's
available, but he still finished 3rd in league scoring with 16 G &
50 PTS in 40 GMS. His puck possession, play making ability and
confidence with the puck got better as the year went on.
His foot work and puck skills allow him to get on the inside of defenders in the offensive zone and get pucks to the net. He
needs to work on his skating and strength training. A player that can
play in all situations - special teams, important faceoffs,
needing a goal or preserving a lead late. I believe he's
among the smartest, most competitive, complete 200' two-way
centres in Ontraio/US that is available for this years OHL
draft. A team would be smart to consider signing Sean and having him play one year in the CCHL. He will
improve based on his intelligence, work ethic and commitment levels, he just needs time to mature physically. Long
term projection - Captain of a championship team at either the OHL or NCAA level.

Sleeper - Liam Cavan LD, March 9, 2002 - Rockland Nationals U18

A player that
was at the bottom of my list to start the season, Liam has steadily
climbed the list as the season went on. Like most 15 year old's that
make the jump to U18 from Major Bantam, the first
2 months of the season are like drinking out of a fire hose. Liam
always showed that he had some hockey sense, but it wasn't until he got
his bearings, coupled with a little mid season growth spurt, that his
confidence with & without the puck grew. Though
he's playing on a very talented Rockland team, he's underused and over
shadowed by returning players on the back end. He has a good puck
possession skill set,
good hockey sense, good first pass and has an edge to his game.
His skating and edge work is under rated, his mechanics are there, but
he just needs to get stronger. His smarts, communication and positional
play in all three zones makes life easy for
his Dpartner. He's a late bloomer and I
really like his upside long term. With a good summer of training and
maturing, his development path will just continue trending upwards.

Tolnai was a top offensive threat for
the Oakville Rangers who were one of the better minor midget teams in
the province this season. He is an intelligent and efficient operator
whose decision making and execution is next-level. A consistent
threat to score every time he touches the ice, he has elite hands and
great creativity in his game. Regularly beats defenders one-on-one
and is as pure of a goal-scorer as there is in the age group, while
also having above average playmaking ability. Possesses innate
shooting instincts and a shot that freatures a quick release and
tremendous pinpoint accuracy. His feet are good and he gets to his
top speed quickly. He can accelerate through the neutral zone with
relative ease and is always looking to make things happen once in the
offensive zone, attacking the net with real vigour and purpose.
Strength on his skates is also an asset and he uses it to beat
defenders wide with really solid outside power moves. With his good
size and strength, he protects the puck extremely well, pivoting and
shielding calmly to display a great feel and response to any
pressure. Uses his strength to fight off defenders on the boards as
well to win most of his battles. A top player on the powerplay as he
commands the puck and makes things happen with smart distributions.
Finds soft spots to where he can get off his excellent shot with
precision and accuracy to pick corners for goals. When he is left
alone with the goalie he fools them with ease as they barely even
move at times before the puck is in the back of the net. A willing
defender, he fights hard in his own end to win the puck back and then
turns up ice quickly to attack. His strength and quick stick provide
his team with good defensive work. He generally has at least two or
three steals in a game coming back into his own zone and stripping
opponents from behind. A scoring machine as well as being an
intelligent player in all three zones, Tolnai is one of the most
well-rounded players in the ’02 class and figures to be an early
first-round selection in this year’s Draft.

#2. Luke Evangelista, Oakville Rangers #22

Position: RW

Shoots: R

February, 21, 2002

5’9”, 150 lbs

Evangelista is a super skilled player
who lead his team and the SCTA in scoring with 90 points in 36 games.
Evangelista can dominate a game with his special hands and
craftiness. There seems to be an unlimited amount of creativity in
his game. He loves to take players on one on one and usually wins
that battle. A dangler who can slip by opponents with ease and has
that ‘wow’ factor to his game. Because of his elite hands,
Evangelista is a game breaker in every sense of the word. He has
excellent vision in the offensive zone and can make passes that
others can not. He is absolutely lethal when playing with Tolnai as
those two just wreck havoc on the opponents goal especially when set
up on the power play. He is also a devastating finisher himself with
an accurate shot. Loves to pick the top corners. Evangelista gets
around the ice with relative ease and has good acceleration. He is a
smaller player but he does not back down from anyone. His quick feet
get him out of trouble as opponents seem to underestimate his speed
and elusiveness as he slips right by them. He can do things at a high
level of speed that not many his age can do. Patience is also gift he
possesses as he is willing to slow things down when necessary and
wait for things to develop in front of him. He has the ability to
come at you with speed and skill and also come at you with a slower,
cerebral approach. More times than not it will result in a good
scoring chance for himself or a team mate. Evangelista is obviously
an offensive player first but he is also a willing defender. He uses
his quickness and intelligence to get into good positions in the
defensive zone to steal pucks. Once he gets a turnover, he quickly
looks up the ice to attack. He never seems to take shifts off even
when his team are well ahead in a game which happened quite a lot
this season in league play. There’s no doubt that Evangelista is
skilled and has the tools to excel at the next level. He should
probably be a first or early second round pick in the upcoming OHL
Priority Selection Draft.

Sleeper: Ryan Mansfield, Burlington Eagles #11

Position: C/LW

Shoots: L

February 22, 2002

5’10”, 180 lbs

Mansfield is definitely a player that
has flown under the radar all season with Burlington. He is as
skilled as any in the league and has excellent speed and acceleration
that make his offensive game devastating. He quietly finished 6th
in SCTA league scoring with 28 goals in 31 games for 44 points. It is
his speed that sets him apart from others in the league. There are
not many quicker than Mansfield is, both with and without the puck.
His strides are powerful and smooth, and he explodes in and out of
his cuts. His abilities to do things at a high rate of speed with the
puck also put him above most of his peers. Without the puck, he can
be an effective fore checker and penalty killer with that speed. He
gets on top of defenders quickly and forces them into mistakes. He is
always a danger when shorthanded to break away and get a scoring
chance which he can bury with relative ease. His hands are not elite,
but they are good. He can beat people with skill, but he mostly
relies on his speed and quickness to get around defenders. He also
has a knack for finding teammates in the offensive zone. He has good
offensive instincts and he uses them to his advantage. He can, at
times, make passes that make you sit up and take notice. He is first
and foremost a goal scorer, but he does have the ability to be a set
up guy as well if needed. He plays a solid game in all three zones.
He can help out in his own end, uses speed and intelligence to rip
through the neutral zone untouched, and finally has the talent to
make things happen in the offensive zone both for himself and his
teammates. There is raw ability and talent there that seems to have
gone a bit unnoticed this season in the SCTA. Mansfield could very
well be a mid round pick or later that goes on to have a solid OHL
career.

#1. Jamie Drysdale - D (Toronto Marlboros)

The most
dominant overall defenseman in this draft class and arguably the most
gifted one offensively, Drysdale has the type of intangibles and skill
set that very few prospects posses, certainty at this age. With elite
skating and play making abilities, Drysdale is a game breaker on the back
end who very rarely puts in a bad shift, let alone a bad game. He led
the Toronto Marlboros along with fellow captain Lleyton Moore as they
toyed with teams in the GTHL all season long. An all situations type
player who is deadly on the rush and on the power play, where he can
change and create different shooting angles from the blue line with his
lateral movement. With a high IQ, Drysdale is able to effectively shut
down plays and doesn't miss a beat in one on one defensive battles
despite not being the biggest guy on the ice. He is without a doubt a
complete package and the type of player who can change the complete
dynamic of a team almost instantly. He should be the first defenseman
off the board and he can make an impact right away.

#2. Jean-Luc Foudy - F (Toronto Titans)

Argubly
the best skating in this draft class, Jean-Luc Foudy looks certain to
follow his brother Liam's footsteps as a first round draft pick. In
terms of an individual player being essential to a teams success, nobody
was more important this season in the GTHL than Foudy was to the the
Toronto Titans. Playing on a team was limited forward talent, he single
handedly carried the offensive charge on a number of occasions, where he
willed his team to wins. With the speed and puck skills that Foudy has,
we are talking about someone who would have been a top scorer in the
league, if he had a little bit more polish finishing scoring chances and
if he had more talented forwards to work with. Despite teams being
overly physical and had defensive structures in place to defend Foudy on
the rush, his skating ability was simply too good at times where he
became undefendable and he was still one of the best players in terms of
scoring chances created in the GTHL. Foudy will likely find himself
just outside the top 10, but make no mistake this is a top 10 talent.

Sleeper: Nolan Dillingham-Morelli - D (Mississauga Rebels)

Dillingham-Morelli
finds himself behind a number of players in a group of very talented
defensemen, something which has the potential to pay huge dividends for
the team that drafts this kid. The physical two way blue liner may lack
the offensive polish that some of the top end defensemen do, but very
few have the ability to play at the level that he does in their own end.
An impressive skater and puck mover who has shown at times during the
season that he can rush the puck, Dillingham-Morelli is the type of
player who is ready for the OHL now and while the offensive numbers may
not translate straight away, he won't take long to adjust to playing at
the next level. He can play all three situations effectively and has an
OHL level shot right now along with the ability to play a lot of high
quality minutes. When you look at him as a player, it is hard to see how
a player of this talent could fall outside of the first three rounds
which may be the case.

“The best player
from start to finish in the SCTA, Tolnai is a unique blend of size,
finesse, and pure offensive ability. With a rocket for a wrister and
exceptional vision when running through the cycle game, he checks the
box in almost every offensive category and has been playing at a high
level which also carried into the OHL Cup. Poised with the puck on his
stick, he is confident in every offensive situation and always seems to
make the right play no matter what defensive barrage he faces. In the
defensive zone, the same effort applies, and he is great at hunting down
players on the rush and creating turnovers. Overall just an exceptional
player with a bright future ahead.”

#2 Luke Evangelista, Right Wing, Oakville Rangers

“Quickly
labeled as the shooter on Tolnai’s wing, Evangelista soon changed that
thinking and has been a player possessed in the offensive zone this year
and is quite capable of dominating on his own. Light on his feet, but
powerful in his own right, he demands respect at all times and can make
hard plays look easy and good defenders look incompetent. With a shot as
lethal as his playmaking ability, he is completely unpredictable at
times and has shown what happens when the opposition guesses wrong with a
healthy 90 points in 36 SCTA games. At 5’10’’ and 150 lbs he isn’t the
most physically demanding player but he uses his body well in both ends
and has great defensive tendencies which show he isn’t simply an
offensive threat. Look for him to go fair early come draft day”

Sleeper: Robbie Stewart, Defence, Niagara North Stars

“Stewart
falls under the sleeper category, simply because I think he may fall in
the draft. After providing solid play early on for Niagara, he was
injured just before the new year and missed the SCTA Showcase, Playdowns
and he wasn’t successful in making the OHL Cup. After barely seeing him
for some time he may be a slightly forgotten commodity and it provides
an opportunity for a team to strike gold. Standing at 6’3’’ 172 lbs, he
already has good size and is in a primed position to be impactful after
some time in the weight room. Armed with a healthy combination of vision
and defensive anticipation, he is just as good moving pucks forward as
he is as keeping them out. With a long clean stride, confidence in his
puck carrying abilities and a heavy shot he loves to use when openings
arise, Stewart does everything from the backend and he looks like a guy
who will make an impact in the OHL sooner rather than later.”

Not much
can be said about Byfield that you probably haven't heard yet. Provably
one of the best prospects to come from the ETA in quite some time. The
consensus top prospect from start to finish, Byfield plays like he is a
year older then everyone else. A big, strong center paired with high end
speed make it nearly impossible to shut him down. Possessing an elite
shot that gets off in a hurry and elite puck skills has helped Byfield
put together the third best points per game in the ETA behind only
Steven Stamkos and Taylor Hall, showing how elite his season was. A
great skater and smart player he knows when to pass to the open man and
when to challenge the defender with his skills. A good back checker who
creates turnovers with his size, stick and physicality. Works hard on
the For check and when he gets the puck he turns it into a scoring
chance in seconds. All in all Byfield is an elite level player who
excels in every aspect of the game.

#2: Evan Vierling - LC - York Simcoe Express

A
smooth skating center, Vierling is one of the best 200 ft player coming
from the ETA, an elite stickhandler, he can go from a stand still in
his own end to a breakaway at the other. Shifty with the puck he is
always looking create a scoring chance, he plays with elite vision and a
high IQ. When the games get tough his game gets better and better, a go
to option when up a goal and down a goal late in the third period.
Identifies weak coverage and exploits it with ease. Has good snap shot
that he likes to use coming down off the wing. Runs a powerplay knowing
when to set up the open man and when to take the puck to the net. A
coaches dream player who excels in all situations. Look for him to be a
top pick in the upcoming draft.

Sleeper: Luc Reeve - LC/LW - Peterborough Petes

A
strong two way player, Reeve has played under the radar since the start
of the year always having to prove doubters wrong. An aggressive
forchecker who creates turnovers in the offensive zone with his physical
nature and strong stick. A good skater who can shield the puck with his
body or dump and ware down opponents in the corner. Can play a hard
nosed physical game or switch it and play skill game depending on the
opponent. Plays with a ton of energy, backchecking hard, then turning it
into offense. Very effective at gaining space and opening up in front
of the net to get open for a pass or boxing out defenders to pounce on a
rebound. A hard working, high energy player with a scoring touch.

#1: Cole Perfetti, Vaughn Kings

Perfetti
was one of the most consistent point producers in the GTHL all season
long. This 5ft8" 155lb pivot is one of the smartest players at the 2002
level. Perfetti possesses a skill that many don't at
his age and experience, maybe having played up with the Whitby Wildcats
minor midget team that played in the 2017 OHL Cup helped him build, a
level of patience and calm that is rarely this mature at 16.

Not
an outright speed demon Perfetti is a deceptive skater that can utilize
outstanding egde work coupled with a strong wide stance that makes him
very difficult to knock off the puck. He is at his best when on the
cycle and with the puck on his stick. Because of his great playmaking
skill and capacity to maintain puck possession he backs off defenders
making him dangerous in transition. Using his
elite hockey sense and tremendous hands Perfetti is masterful at the art
of the saucer pass and can slot passes into to space creating plenty of
scoring opportunities for linemates. A stalwart on the PP he draws the
attention of defenders freeing up other players to assert offensively.

If
not the smoothest playmaker in the G he is without question a scoring
threat every time he is on the ice. Continually finds a way to sift
through defenceman and ending up in a scoring position or a dish for a
chance. Because he is such a calm player his compete level may go
unnoticed but Perfetti often used in PK and is very skilled in the
neutral zone as a gap closing forward that uses his elite hands to pick
off passes and create turnovers. While not
shoot first center with a powerful shot he is very accurate and scores
most of his goals in the key scoring area within 10 feet of the goal. As
he gains further size and strength he will only develop his scoring at
greater range and variety. Perfetti is
currently committed to the University of Michigan and while there is no
doubt he will be an excellent player at the NCAA level, his game is very
primed for the OHL as well and would no doubt be contributor as a top
line forward in the not so distant future.

#2: Lleyton Moore, Toronto Marlboros

Moore
is a diminutive defender that is listed at 5ft 8" and 155lbs but there
nothing small about his game. He
checks every box when it comes to being an defenceman at the minor
midget level in the GTHL for the #1 ranked Toronto Marlboros. An
elite skater that has spectacular edge control he can keep plays alive
with his open hip style pivoting and powerful stride. Equally as quick
going east west as he is north south his crossover step and deceptive
changes of direction give him plenty of time and space to make plays.
What's
so impressive about this player is he ability to assess the situation
in the game and make plays and/or adjust his style of play accordingly.
He can play the speed and transition game or go physical and puck
possession mode depending on the opponent and the state of the game.
This speaks to his high hockey IQ and competitive level. Moore is an ex
excellent passer with top level vision and playmaking ability. His
poise and patience allow plays to develop. Not prone to the slapshot he
uses a quick release wrister to get pucks through and create tip or
rebound opportunities. If Moore was 6ft and
185lb there is no doubt he would be right in the conversation with
Drysdale and Power as one of the top defenceman in the upcoming draft.
He is one of the most entertaining players of the 2002 group and
undoubtedly has the tools to be a 1/2 defenceman at the next level.

Sleeper: Isaac MacLeod, Toronto Jr. Canadiens

MacLeod
demonstrated (in the OHL Cup Final) what he has done most of the
season. A great
secondary scorer that possesses a good release and penchant for scoring
key goals. The word tenacious comes to mind right away when describing
this player. While not a dynamic skater he has
solid acceleration and once in stride moves with pace. He is a stop and
start forward that rarely gives up on a puck battle. Uses
his physicality well, great body position and wide stance coupled with
good balance allows him to protect pucks and be a positive possession
player. A deceptive release and quick hands in tight spaces especially
around the net allows him to be a quality clean up man. MacLeod
comes with a keen sense for the game which makes him lethal on the PK
as he can pick off.passes and create havoc for defenders with his
capacity to read plays and use pressure to cause turnovers. At
the next level MacLeod will be a serviceable player that can play up
and down your line up and give you quality play in a variety of roles

1. Antonio Stranges, Detroit Little
Caesars 16U AAA

“Way high up on
TheScout.ca’s list of best players available for the OHL Priority
Selection is Antonio Stranges, who tore up the Detroit Little Caesars
independent schedule and completely dominated the T1EHL playing in
some limited showcases. Stranges is a kid who has been on many OHL
and USHL draft radars for over two seasons now, having played up with
the 16U team last season along with this season, all while putting up
big-time numbers both years. Stranges is most well-known for his
unique skating ability and his exceptional puck skills that allow him
to be one of the deadliest offensive players on the ice at any
moment. His footwork, edge control and utilization of his explosive
feet enable him to literally dance around the competition, like a
Jeff Skinner or Jeremy Bracco type skater. The creativity is through
the roof when the puck is on his stick too, as he has the high-end
hockey sense and the crafty offensive talent to shoot, pass and score
in bunches. Stranges is currently committed to the University of
Michigan and will be attending the USA NTDP Evaluation Camp with a
strong chance of making the U17 team. Will he end up in the OHL
someday though? It is definitely a possibility.”

“Another gifted forward who has been
on the radar for a while now is Dylan Peterson with the CIHA Midget
AAA program just outside of Ottawa. Peterson is an American/Canadian
dual-citizen, and was one of the first 2002-born skaters to commit to
a NCAA university when he selected Boston University as a
14-year-old. Peterson has been very well known in scouting circles
due to his NHL ready 6.03” frame paired with his powerful and very
fluid skating stride. Not many large hockey players have the high-end
speed of Peterson, and his strength along with his extremely quick
hands make him a lethal threat every time he’s coming down the ice.
His puck skills can dazzle for sure, and he can take a direct path
right through the opposition or dangle a defenseman with his slick
skills and long reach. Watch out for his high-end and accurate shot
as well, but he does hesitate at times as he needs to work on
becoming the dominant player he can be on every shift. Peterson will
also be attending the USA NTDP Evaluation Camp, and he has a very
good chance to make the U17 team. The sky is the limit for this kid,
he has the physical gifts and smooth skating to make him a top NHL
Draft selection down the line.”

Sleeper: Andrei Bakanov, Oakland
Jr. Grizzlies 16U AAA

“Probably not much of a sleeper here,
but Andrei Bakanov will likely be a player discussed a lot as we lead
up to the OHL Priority Selection as his eligibility is currently
up-in-the-air for the draft. Bakanov is a Russian-born player who has
spent this year with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U team after playing
up the season before with the Cleveland Barons 16U team. With
Oakland, the Russian kid displayed his pro-quality talents before all
the HPHL by finishing second in both goals and points in one of the
most competitive leagues in the country. You don’t have to watch
too long before you see his best trait, a deadly accurate, hard shot
that probably gives goalies at this level nightmares. Bakanov has the
Russian patience for sure, taking his time to read plays at times and
then striking exactly when you least expect it, often drawing
peer-to-peer comparisons to famous NHL player Evgeni Malkin. Footwork
is a little heavy for Bakanov, but his smooth puck handing and decent
smarts help mitigate this issue. Should he be declared eligible for
the OHL Draft, look for his name to go very high in the 1st
Round. His goal scoring capabilities, his patience with the puck, and
his NHL sized frame will be highly coveted.”

1. Antonio Stranges, Detroit Little
Caesars 16U AAA

“Way high up on
TheScout.ca’s list of best players available for the OHL Priority
Selection is Antonio Stranges, who tore up the Detroit Little Caesars
independent schedule and completely dominated the T1EHL playing in
some limited showcases. Stranges is a kid who has been on many OHL
and USHL draft radars for over two seasons now, having played up with
the 16U team last season along with this season, all while putting up
big-time numbers both years. Stranges is most well-known for his
unique skating ability and his exceptional puck skills that allow him
to be one of the deadliest offensive players on the ice at any
moment. His footwork, edge control and utilization of his explosive
feet enable him to literally dance around the competition, like a
Jeff Skinner or Jeremy Bracco type skater. The creativity is through
the roof when the puck is on his stick too, as he has the high-end
hockey sense and the crafty offensive talent to shoot, pass and score
in bunches. Stranges is currently committed to the University of
Michigan and will be attending the USA NTDP Evaluation Camp with a
strong chance of making the U17 team. Will he end up in the OHL
someday though? It is definitely a possibility.”

“Another gifted forward who has been
on the radar for a while now is Dylan Peterson with the CIHA Midget
AAA program just outside of Ottawa. Peterson is an American/Canadian
dual-citizen, and was one of the first 2002-born skaters to commit to
a NCAA university when he selected Boston University as a
14-year-old. Peterson has been very well known in scouting circles
due to his NHL ready 6.03” frame paired with his powerful and very
fluid skating stride. Not many large hockey players have the high-end
speed of Peterson, and his strength along with his extremely quick
hands make him a lethal threat every time he’s coming down the ice.
His puck skills can dazzle for sure, and he can take a direct path
right through the opposition or dangle a defenseman with his slick
skills and long reach. Watch out for his high-end and accurate shot
as well, but he does hesitate at times as he needs to work on
becoming the dominant player he can be on every shift. Peterson will
also be attending the USA NTDP Evaluation Camp, and he has a very
good chance to make the U17 team. The sky is the limit for this kid,
he has the physical gifts and smooth skating to make him a top NHL
Draft selection down the line.”

Sleeper: Andrei Bakanov, Oakland
Jr. Grizzlies 16U AAA

“Probably not much of a sleeper here,
but Andrei Bakanov will likely be a player discussed a lot as we lead
up to the OHL Priority Selection as his eligibility is currently
up-in-the-air for the draft. Bakanov is a Russian-born player who has
spent this year with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U team after playing
up the season before with the Cleveland Barons 16U team. With
Oakland, the Russian kid displayed his pro-quality talents before all
the HPHL by finishing second in both goals and points in one of the
most competitive leagues in the country. You don’t have to watch
too long before you see his best trait, a deadly accurate, hard shot
that probably gives goalies at this level nightmares. Bakanov has the
Russian patience for sure, taking his time to read plays at times and
then striking exactly when you least expect it, often drawing
peer-to-peer comparisons to famous NHL player Evgeni Malkin. Footwork
is a little heavy for Bakanov, but his smooth puck handing and decent
smarts help mitigate this issue. Should he be declared eligible for
the OHL Draft, look for his name to go very high in the 1st
Round. His goal scoring capabilities, his patience with the puck, and
his NHL sized frame will be highly coveted.”

1. Antonio Stranges, Detroit Little
Caesars 16U AAA

“Way high up on
TheScout.ca’s list of best players available for the OHL Priority
Selection is Antonio Stranges, who tore up the Detroit Little Caesars
independent schedule and completely dominated the T1EHL playing in
some limited showcases. Stranges is a kid who has been on many OHL
and USHL draft radars for over two seasons now, having played up with
the 16U team last season along with this season, all while putting up
big-time numbers both years. Stranges is most well-known for his
unique skating ability and his exceptional puck skills that allow him
to be one of the deadliest offensive players on the ice at any
moment. His footwork, edge control and utilization of his explosive
feet enable him to literally dance around the competition, like a
Jeff Skinner or Jeremy Bracco type skater. The creativity is through
the roof when the puck is on his stick too, as he has the high-end
hockey sense and the crafty offensive talent to shoot, pass and score
in bunches. Stranges is currently committed to the University of
Michigan and will be attending the USA NTDP Evaluation Camp with a
strong chance of making the U17 team. Will he end up in the OHL
someday though? It is definitely a possibility.”

“Another gifted forward who has been
on the radar for a while now is Dylan Peterson with the CIHA Midget
AAA program just outside of Ottawa. Peterson is an American/Canadian
dual-citizen, and was one of the first 2002-born skaters to commit to
a NCAA university when he selected Boston University as a
14-year-old. Peterson has been very well known in scouting circles
due to his NHL ready 6.03” frame paired with his powerful and very
fluid skating stride. Not many large hockey players have the high-end
speed of Peterson, and his strength along with his extremely quick
hands make him a lethal threat every time he’s coming down the ice.
His puck skills can dazzle for sure, and he can take a direct path
right through the opposition or dangle a defenseman with his slick
skills and long reach. Watch out for his high-end and accurate shot
as well, but he does hesitate at times as he needs to work on
becoming the dominant player he can be on every shift. Peterson will
also be attending the USA NTDP Evaluation Camp, and he has a very
good chance to make the U17 team. The sky is the limit for this kid,
he has the physical gifts and smooth skating to make him a top NHL
Draft selection down the line.”

Sleeper: Andrei Bakanov, Oakland
Jr. Grizzlies 16U AAA

“Probably not much of a sleeper here,
but Andrei Bakanov will likely be a player discussed a lot as we lead
up to the OHL Priority Selection as his eligibility is currently
up-in-the-air for the draft. Bakanov is a Russian-born player who has
spent this year with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U team after playing
up the season before with the Cleveland Barons 16U team. With
Oakland, the Russian kid displayed his pro-quality talents before all
the HPHL by finishing second in both goals and points in one of the
most competitive leagues in the country. You don’t have to watch
too long before you see his best trait, a deadly accurate, hard shot
that probably gives goalies at this level nightmares. Bakanov has the
Russian patience for sure, taking his time to read plays at times and
then striking exactly when you least expect it, often drawing
peer-to-peer comparisons to famous NHL player Evgeni Malkin. Footwork
is a little heavy for Bakanov, but his smooth puck handing and decent
smarts help mitigate this issue. Should he be declared eligible for
the OHL Draft, look for his name to go very high in the 1st
Round. His goal scoring capabilities, his patience with the puck, and
his NHL sized frame will be highly coveted.”

About Me

Brock Otten is a former writer for Hockeysfuture and has contributed to PuckLife magazine, in addition to other hockey websites (UHN, LSR, etc). All articles of this blog also appear at www.thescout.ca